POEA issues guidelines for seafarer protection during pandemic

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has issued guidelines to protect Filipino seafarers during the pandemic.

Under these guidelines, seafarers who have signed employment contracts but cannot be deployed due to COVID-19 will receive accommodation and food from their employers until deployment or repatriation.

Seafarers stranded mid-transit will also receive basic pay, accommodation, food, and medical benefits until they join the vessel.